In the U.S.,
health experts and celebrities
constantly discuss the causes of obesity

If we already know the causes of obesity, then why is it so hard to
lose
weight?
If an alien from Mars watched our television or read our
magazines, he would probably ask why humans are so fat. Was it a
natural plan for our species to grow this large?

Facts about obesity

If you don't live in a cave, you have heard that obesity rates are out
of control. This is true in the U.S. and in many other countries. Here are 20 facts on obesity
that will make you wonder what the heck is
going on.

Common beliefs about obesity

Most people have some ideas the causes of obesity. Common reasons
they give are:

Addicted
to food. Some
foods are so yummy we just don't want to
quit eating them. But the more we eat, the more we want. How do we get addicted to food
and how can we avoid this addiction? It is clearly one of the causes of
obesity.

Genetic
obesity. When we fail at every diet, it seems that we must
have fat genes. But how many of us had great-grandparents who were
obese? And even if it is in our genes, can we overcome genetic obesity?

Dieting and obesity

Every doctor and dietitian says if you want to lose weight you must go
on a diet.
But does this actually work?

Eating
in moderation. Some
dietitians say there are no bad foods.
You can eat anything you like as long as you don't eat too much. Eating
all foods in moderation is similar to counting calories. It often
doesn't work. Counting calories and trying to eat all foods in
moderation are actually causes of obesity.

A toxic food environment

Kelly Brownell, author of Food
Fight, says that one of the main reasons for obesity in
the U.S. is that we live in a toxic food environment. What does he mean?